IMPHAL, Aug 22: Even though there have been strong oppositions by the residence of Kabo Leikai against the recent land acquisition drive, the state government has finally approved to sanction Rs. 9,58,56,920 as compensation of both land and standing properties of Kabo Leikai which was recently acquired by the state government for the up-gradation and exapansion existing of Imphal Hotel to the status of 5 star hotel.
The recent approval of the state government for sanction of the amount was made in connection with a proposal of state tourism department and as proposed by the DC, Imphal East and state revenue department.
It may be mentioned that, as per the policy of the state tourism department for the need of up-gradation of the existing Imphal hotel to the status of 5 Star hotel, state revenue department issued notification on December 17 last year under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition of 1.497 acres of land situated at village No. 25 (A)-Kabo Leikai, Imphal East district from 30 persons for the aforesaid purpose.
An official source said, state tourism department has already deposited the compensation amount to the DC Imphal East who is yet to declare award under Section 11 of Land Acquisition Act. 1894. It is also known that some of the so called/ alleged original allottees have transferred the land by way of sale or otherwise to other persons who have actually constructed buildings etc for which assessment has been done by the state PWD and included in the assessment of the value standing properties.
The source also mentioned that, Under Section 31 of the Land Acquisition Act. 1894 on making an award under Section 11, the collector shall deposit the amount of compensation in the court to which a reference under section 18 would be submitted if there is any dispute as to the title to receive the compensation or as to the apportionment of it. In this particular case, since there is clear dispute on the ownership of title of the land to be acquired, in fact, the 30 owners of land are not real owners of the land in question, the collector has to deposit the amount to compensation in the court as per the provisions of law, the source added.
However, the process of land acquisition is a quasi-judicial process, it may not be proper on the part of the state government to give any direction to the collector in exercising his quasi-judicial powers conferred to him under the provisions of the land Acquisition Act, the source added.